Why do we adore our favorite novels? When a story grips us enough to be a favorite, some type of bonding has occurred. We connected to something as we read. This experience can go deep—for readers and for writers—and leave a lasting impression. What fascinates me is the crossover between fiction and real life, when stories or characters influence us to […]
Read MoreOne of the main characters in my novel Everyday History writes articles about his treasured possessions. Each article focuses on a meaningful object and the important history it encapsulates. Reader interest in that novel and those articles led to this series of guest articles in the same style.
Lauren Sapala blew into my life when I started writing my second novel. She’s an author and writing coach for INFP and INFJ (that’s me) personality types. Through her books, our conversations, and: […]
Read MoreAlthough most of my novel Everyday History takes place in Boston, the story has its roots in the beautiful city of Freiburg, Germany, where I lived when I wrote it. Tucked into the southwestern corner of Germany, near both the French and Swiss borders, Freiburg nestles against the baby foothills of the Black Forest mountains. It’s the perfect size of city for getting around easily on foot while still preserving some anonymity.
I moved back to the United States a decade ago, but still consider Freiburg […]
Read MoreThis unusual time of sheltering in place opens the way for something different. For now, the edges of our everyday worlds are smaller: the expanse of our residence, or an outdoor place where we can have some space. But creativity thrives in uncertainty. When our ability to venture wide is limited, we can shift our gazes to look deeper for treasure—right here where we are.
In my novel Everyday History, one of the main characters, Henry, writes articles to […]
Read MoreFor readers of my novel Everyday History who told me they wished Henry's articles were real so they could read more of them, I offer a compromise: a series of Everyday History-style articles about items in my life. (This one includes an audio option.)
My mom grew up by the Mississippi River in the Deep South. Her childhood photos show a thin girl in the midst of a tragedy. Dark circles under eyes full of […]
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